2012 bottle opener 9/6/16
Dark with a tan head, which disappeared quickly.
Nose is very heavy on coaco. Slight oxygenation. Sherry. Taste follows, a lot of chocolate and oxidized fruit. Raisins. Some roast comes through as it warms.

A. Trying to think of another way to say "black" as this is exactly what this looks like...you know, just like every other Russian Imperial Stout out there. A finger of white sand colored head slowly settles to a half finger. The head is surprisingly tight, consistent, and creamy. The lacing is similarly so.

S. Fudge, coffee, hints of smoke and anise, even some mild pine needle aromas from the hops.

M. Somewhat high in carb for the style. The finish is also way too dry, dominating the rest of the flavors.

O. This is alright. Probably truer to the style from hundreds of years ago, but things evolve for a reason and the modern RIS has made this obsolete. Plenty of nice chocolate notes here, but the ashtray flavors dominate on the finish and leave a bad taste in the mouth. This is just OK...nothing more.